Vains of Jenna – Lit Up/Let Down (2006)

Vains of Jenna has undoubtedly had the biggest year for any new glam metal band in 2007.

Landing the opening slot for the Poison/Ratt tour has increased their fan base, and the constant touring with groups like Cradle of Filth, CKY and GWAR has exposed the band to a whole new group of listeners.

Is Lit Up/Let Down the best Glam Metal CD that I have heard. No. Not by a longshot, but there are some solid and enjoyable cuts on this disc worth giving it a few spins.

I am a sucker for enhanced CD’s and VOJ’s new disc has the following video, No One’s Gonna Do It For You, and a Making of Video. It is a nice addition for VOJ fans.

I think Lit Up/Let Down is a CD that takes a few listens to get its hooks into you, but once it does, you will get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I hear little bits of Poison, and Guns ‘N Roses fused into their music.

I think Vains of Jenna has loads of potential, and they will definitely be one of the bands carrying the glam metal torch well into the next decade.

Rating:Out of 10

Track Listing:
1. Don’t Give A Damn
2. Ceased Emotions
3. Hard To Be Vain
4. Lit Up/Let Down
5. Get On The Ride
6. Baby’s Got A Secret
7. Noone’s Gonna Do It For You
8. Set It Off
9. Noone’s Gonna Do It For You (Acoustic)
10. Set It Off (Acoustic)

I went into this album thinking that I’d enjoy it…..I was wrong. I’ve listened to this album more in the last couple of months than any new 2007 release because I want to understand what the hype is all about. Unfortunately, I still haven’t figured it out. What I heard on Lit Up/Let Down was boring, nothing got me excited, nothing got my attention. Obviously, there are bands doing it better (Wig Wam) but everyone is ballwashing VOJ. Is it the Bam Magera connection? Who knows?

It’s a decent album, but they are not bringing anything new to the game. I agree that the potential could be there. They also seem to be getting a good push and have been touring like crazy. They need to add something to their music though or it’s really just trying to copy something that happened twenty years ago.

I can’t quite understand why these bands like to rehash one of the low points of rock (and cultural) history, but for what they are VOJ do a decent job. If I get a chance, I’d probably check out the whole album.

Why are they swimming in their regular clothes? Don’t they own a pair of shorts? I liked the natural feel of the video. Unlike the one I complained about early in the week, I didn’t find its “sexiness” offensive. It seemed more like a good time for everyone than a staged video of women throwing themselves at the band. I just can’t figure out why they didn’t wear shorts to swim.